A day that began on even terms finished being one-sided. New Zealand's fast-bowling stocks may be promising but their batting continued to be a serious worry and it let them down again, on a day when they had the rare chance of pressing ahead and aiming for a win. They slumped to a fifth straight Test defeat in conditions far less lethal than their scoreline suggested. The batsmen were largely victims of their own approach and lack of confidence against spin on a slow and low pitch.

Rangana Herath was again the wrecker-in-chief, continuing his incredible run in Galle, and finished with 11 wickets in the match. Both his hauls of ten wickets or more in a Test have come in Galle, where he's picked up 46 in eight games at 20.30, including five of his 12 five-fors. His achievement wasn't a surprise, certainly not against an opposition whose performances against spin have been woeful in the recent past. In their last five Tests, all of them defeats, they've lost 62 wickets out of 100 to spin. Only one of those games went into the fifth day.

Sri Lanka were disciplined and cut down drastically on the bad deliveries they had delivered on the opening day when Brendon McCullum and Daniel Flynn had managed to find some release after the loss of early wickets. There was hardly any swing or movement for the seamers, and the ball never carried to slip, though the spinners found a fair amount of turn. The overall result of their tight lines and variations in pace and length was a stagnating run-flow and an eventual collapse.

At a time when New Zealand would have been aiming to begin solidly and lay a platform for a challenging lead, they were hit by a Nuwan Kulasekara double-strike. Martin Guptill was dismissed in a manner similar to the first innings, when he played down the wrong line, only this time he was bowled. Kane Williamson was a touch unfortunate to be caught down the leg side, when he tried to glide one down to fine leg and New Zealand were reduced to 46 for 3.

Ross Taylor square-drove the seamers for two fours and looked comfortable against Herath while defending, and he and Flynn appeared to infuse a bit of urgency to an innings that badly needed a fillip. But there remained some uncertainty against the spinners. Herath got one to spit away and bounce past Taylor's bat, and that may have played on the batsman's mind when, shortly after, he misread an arm ball from Herath to be trapped in front.

James Franklin had spent some time on the pitch before the start of play, standing on the crease and scanning the areas he could score off. He appeared to come out with a plan, as he stepped out to Herath, often to try working him on to the leg side. That prompted Mahela Jayawardene to employ two midwickets for him, but Franklin was undeterred. It did not pay, as he was beaten in flight to be stumped, albeit unconvincingly, by Prasanna Jayawardene - he failed to collect but the ball ricocheted off his chest and dislodged the bails.

Flynn was the most confident and enterprising of New Zealand's batsmen today, picking out midwicket as a favoured scoring area, fetching deliveries from outside off, piercing the field on either side of the wicket and trying his utmost to rotate the strike. But he was taken by surprise as Herath turned one in sharply and bowled him through the gate. When Doug Bracewell failed to pick an arm ball next ball, the end was nigh for New Zealand. The desperation to stretch the lead and give themselves something to bowl at was evident when Tim Southee and Trent Boult went over the top and struck three sixes between them, but they too succumbed to spin, only managing to extend the advantage to 92 runs.

An early burst from the seamers was New Zealand's only hope - somewhat dented from the outset by Tim Southee's absence due to a niggle - but a presumably nervous Sri Lanka opening partnership, on a pair, ensured the chase was smooth. Tharanga Paranavitana had just one half-century in his previous 11 innings and would have been under pressure. He was subdued to begin with but eventually got going, using his feet well against Jeetan Patel to launch him for six, before smashing Bracewell over point towards the close. He stayed through to the end of the chase, but it'll be interesting to see how the combination changes should Tillakaratne Dilshan return to the line-up in the next Test.

Paranavitana could face competition for that opening slot from the debutant Dimuth Karunaratne, who did his own prospects no harm with an attractive half-century. He was edgy at the start but looked strong on the back foot, punching boundaries through midwicket and extra cover and even pulling in the direction of square leg. He also cashed in on some freebies on leg stump and eased to a maiden fifty.

The day was a fulfilling one for Sri Lanka, and the hope of a closely-fought game raised by New Zealand proved deceptive in the end.

and all other teams too have gone there one month in advance and played at least 4 practice matches, whereas SL was sent one week before the Tournament, could play only 2 practice matches. If we have had a proper administration as they have in England and a media the likes of India, the beating us would be only a dream for all other countries. Just before degrading us please verify the records that we're holding, (a) 4 times Semi-Finalists & (b) 3 times Finalists of the WCs, We are the holders of the highest Scores, in all 3 forms of the Game at the moment and it was only a SLan that has a scored double century in a T/20 match of a Minor -County tournament in England, who was never picked for any National side. We are doing all this without the best players produced by schools not being picked (and very little money spent on players), due to the ignorance of J&Ps of last 25 years. One may find 4-5 henchmen in every SLan National side. (Stats courtesy Cric Info).

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 17:28 GMT

Our Under-19 Teams' performances too have been badly affected by the bias selections and the teams picked too have not been given proper training before a tournament, none of the U-19 players picked have any sort of 1st class experience, they're just schoolboy cricketers, whereas the other countries give right training for their youth, their players are given numerous match practices before a tournament and they get equal treatment that the seniors are given. e.g. The ENG, AUS, NZ & IND were arranged a proper match practice just prior to the Youth WC in Australia by arranging 4 nation tournament by their respective Cricket Managements(to be CNTD)

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 17:27 GMT

"To the Editor! You've published only a part of my response in relation to an erroneous comment made by one SHORTSILLYPOINT. Without the 1st part my whole comment is quite meaningless. Pls be good enough to published the whole comment"
To Mr shortsillypoint: Your comment is not agreeable to us SLans , you have to get your stats verified before making a comment, this particular match where MCrowe got 299 was a drawn game in which our great Aravinda answered them in scoring a 267. For your information we've won 6 Tests, 5 drawn out of 14 Tests played so far against NZ. Not only NZ even England, SA have found it difficult to beat us. We could have done far better than this if we have had proper administration in place. The Country's Cricket has been managed poorly for the last 25 years as a result best players such as Roy Dias's, Samaraweera's Attapattu's class have always been ignored. Reckless stroke-makers are preferred instead. (To be CNTD)

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | November 20, 2012, 16:18 GMT

@Chris_P, I know you are an Aussie and I have seen your comments on cricinfo and I respect you a lot. Mate I wont draw much into this as our real test is next month in your shores. It will be tough but with the big fan base we have, we have all to play for. Adelaide would have been the best pitch for us cos it spins. I better lower my hopes as I feel the test result will be 2-0 in Australia's favor. I feel our batting is good enough to prevent a whitewash. Anyway, Aussies are the best fighters in the game no matter how they are weak. They have got the hunger to win. We underestimated the Aussies last year in our backyard and we paid dearly.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | November 20, 2012, 16:06 GMT

I really do feel for NZ. You guys are so nice and humble and I am sad to see you all lose. I wish if Williamson can put up a good performance in the 2nd test and hope it goes on till day 5.

POSTED BY
Mahaanama
on | November 20, 2012, 12:29 GMT

This SL team has the best captain after Bradman (Mahela has the all time 2nd best test batting average as a captain ) , currently playing best batsman (Sanga has been the top ranked ICC No 1 batsman most number of times during last 5 years ), the best spinner ( Herath has been the most consistent spinner in recent years irrespective of match venue ), the best wicket keeper (Prasanna is the best keeper in terms of keeping). With the inclusion of Eranga and Welagedara now SL also have their right bowling combination. This SL team can choke any test team irrespective of the match venue.

POSTED BY
Mahaanama
on | November 20, 2012, 11:41 GMT

@shortsillypoint : Pls don't put wrong facts in your comments. In that match where Crowe scored 299 NZ allout for 174 runs in the first inning and Aravinda De Silva scored 267 runs alone for SL's first inning. So Crowe had to score that 299 runs to save the match. In that tour ( SL's tour in NZ in 1990/91) all 3 test matches were drawn but SL had the upper hand.

POSTED BY
Inzamam75
on | November 20, 2012, 6:18 GMT

Sorry shortsillypoint, that game was a draw as New Zealand were on the backfoot after a superlative 267 from Aravind DeSilva.

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 5:41 GMT

and all other teams have gone there and played at least 4 practice matches, whereas SL was sent one week in advance , could play only 2 practice matches. If we have had a proper administration as they have in England and media the likes of India, the beating us would be only a dream for all other countries. Just before degrading us please verify the records that we're holding, (a) 4 times Semi-Finalists & (b) 3 times Finalists of the WCs, We are the holders of the highest Scores, in all 3 forms of the Game at the moment and it was only a SLan that has a scored double century in a T/20 match of a Minor -County tournament in England, who was never picked for any National side. We are doing all this without the best players produced by schools not being picked (and very little money spent on players), due to the ignorance of J&Ps of last 25 years. One may find 4-5 henchmen in every SLan National side. (Stats courtesy Cric Info).

POSTED BY
Htc-Android
on | November 20, 2012, 5:13 GMT

NZ need to work on their batting. They have promising fast bowlers. But their batting letting them down. Watling and Ryder should get regular place in the team.

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 17:28 GMT

and all other teams too have gone there one month in advance and played at least 4 practice matches, whereas SL was sent one week before the Tournament, could play only 2 practice matches. If we have had a proper administration as they have in England and a media the likes of India, the beating us would be only a dream for all other countries. Just before degrading us please verify the records that we're holding, (a) 4 times Semi-Finalists & (b) 3 times Finalists of the WCs, We are the holders of the highest Scores, in all 3 forms of the Game at the moment and it was only a SLan that has a scored double century in a T/20 match of a Minor -County tournament in England, who was never picked for any National side. We are doing all this without the best players produced by schools not being picked (and very little money spent on players), due to the ignorance of J&Ps of last 25 years. One may find 4-5 henchmen in every SLan National side. (Stats courtesy Cric Info).

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 17:28 GMT

Our Under-19 Teams' performances too have been badly affected by the bias selections and the teams picked too have not been given proper training before a tournament, none of the U-19 players picked have any sort of 1st class experience, they're just schoolboy cricketers, whereas the other countries give right training for their youth, their players are given numerous match practices before a tournament and they get equal treatment that the seniors are given. e.g. The ENG, AUS, NZ & IND were arranged a proper match practice just prior to the Youth WC in Australia by arranging 4 nation tournament by their respective Cricket Managements(to be CNTD)

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 17:27 GMT

"To the Editor! You've published only a part of my response in relation to an erroneous comment made by one SHORTSILLYPOINT. Without the 1st part my whole comment is quite meaningless. Pls be good enough to published the whole comment"
To Mr shortsillypoint: Your comment is not agreeable to us SLans , you have to get your stats verified before making a comment, this particular match where MCrowe got 299 was a drawn game in which our great Aravinda answered them in scoring a 267. For your information we've won 6 Tests, 5 drawn out of 14 Tests played so far against NZ. Not only NZ even England, SA have found it difficult to beat us. We could have done far better than this if we have had proper administration in place. The Country's Cricket has been managed poorly for the last 25 years as a result best players such as Roy Dias's, Samaraweera's Attapattu's class have always been ignored. Reckless stroke-makers are preferred instead. (To be CNTD)

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | November 20, 2012, 16:18 GMT

@Chris_P, I know you are an Aussie and I have seen your comments on cricinfo and I respect you a lot. Mate I wont draw much into this as our real test is next month in your shores. It will be tough but with the big fan base we have, we have all to play for. Adelaide would have been the best pitch for us cos it spins. I better lower my hopes as I feel the test result will be 2-0 in Australia's favor. I feel our batting is good enough to prevent a whitewash. Anyway, Aussies are the best fighters in the game no matter how they are weak. They have got the hunger to win. We underestimated the Aussies last year in our backyard and we paid dearly.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | November 20, 2012, 16:06 GMT

I really do feel for NZ. You guys are so nice and humble and I am sad to see you all lose. I wish if Williamson can put up a good performance in the 2nd test and hope it goes on till day 5.

POSTED BY
Mahaanama
on | November 20, 2012, 12:29 GMT

This SL team has the best captain after Bradman (Mahela has the all time 2nd best test batting average as a captain ) , currently playing best batsman (Sanga has been the top ranked ICC No 1 batsman most number of times during last 5 years ), the best spinner ( Herath has been the most consistent spinner in recent years irrespective of match venue ), the best wicket keeper (Prasanna is the best keeper in terms of keeping). With the inclusion of Eranga and Welagedara now SL also have their right bowling combination. This SL team can choke any test team irrespective of the match venue.

POSTED BY
Mahaanama
on | November 20, 2012, 11:41 GMT

@shortsillypoint : Pls don't put wrong facts in your comments. In that match where Crowe scored 299 NZ allout for 174 runs in the first inning and Aravinda De Silva scored 267 runs alone for SL's first inning. So Crowe had to score that 299 runs to save the match. In that tour ( SL's tour in NZ in 1990/91) all 3 test matches were drawn but SL had the upper hand.

POSTED BY
Inzamam75
on | November 20, 2012, 6:18 GMT

Sorry shortsillypoint, that game was a draw as New Zealand were on the backfoot after a superlative 267 from Aravind DeSilva.

POSTED BY
Prem2248
on | November 20, 2012, 5:41 GMT

and all other teams have gone there and played at least 4 practice matches, whereas SL was sent one week in advance , could play only 2 practice matches. If we have had a proper administration as they have in England and media the likes of India, the beating us would be only a dream for all other countries. Just before degrading us please verify the records that we're holding, (a) 4 times Semi-Finalists & (b) 3 times Finalists of the WCs, We are the holders of the highest Scores, in all 3 forms of the Game at the moment and it was only a SLan that has a scored double century in a T/20 match of a Minor -County tournament in England, who was never picked for any National side. We are doing all this without the best players produced by schools not being picked (and very little money spent on players), due to the ignorance of J&Ps of last 25 years. One may find 4-5 henchmen in every SLan National side. (Stats courtesy Cric Info).

POSTED BY
Htc-Android
on | November 20, 2012, 5:13 GMT

NZ need to work on their batting. They have promising fast bowlers. But their batting letting them down. Watling and Ryder should get regular place in the team.

POSTED BY
Htc-Android
on | November 20, 2012, 5:09 GMT

Im impressed with the way dimuth has played. He should open the innings with dilshan for the second test. Dimuth should have been brought into team two years ago. If they had done it, he could have been our senior opening batsmen after dilshans retirement. I dont know what are they doing with this overrated paranawithana. Now we are going to have two inexperienced openers in the team after dilshans retirement.

POSTED BY
on | November 20, 2012, 4:52 GMT

congratzzzzzzzzz.....and good luck for sara ovel test.....

POSTED BY
Prabhash1985
on | November 20, 2012, 4:18 GMT

I personally hate to hear about who is weaker or more talented. There is nothing like that in my vocabulary. People who do better deserves the win. So, I just cannot agree the argument of NZ not doing well. They are really great. They made matches so hard to win for Sri Lanka in almost all occasions, and in the matches they went well, they got caught by the traps of weather. I'm a Sri Lankan, and I really appreciate New Zealand team, because they are truly a great side, lead by Ross. I think they just need to be consistent. They did incredibly well with swing bowling, and they somehow couldn't manage with spin. Life never ends at a victory or defeat, so just do well with spin. Wish you all the best. And I'm so proud of my team. It's a great thing to see Rangana Herath doing the best, and Nuwan Kulasekara being the star of new ball bowling. Great comeback for Sri Lanka after loss of Murali.

POSTED BY
Lermy
on | November 20, 2012, 0:28 GMT

I wonder what Adam Milne might have done on this wicket bowling 150k. Why he gets thrown into 20/20 matches on dead wickets is beyond me, yet they persist with Bracewell and Franklin for tests, who aren't getting the runs to justify the alrounder tag. Maybe even Ben Wheeler would do better with bat and ball than Bracewell, hes certainly a yard or two quicker.

POSTED BY
Chris_P
on | November 19, 2012, 23:17 GMT

I have stated it before many times, winning in Sri Lanka is very, very difficult. It does makes Australia's efforts even more remarkable winning that series against a tenacious opponent. @maf17, let's see how SL goes in NZ on their pitches before passing judgment. Believe me, over there, they are almost unbeatable. Their seamers are high quality on responsive pitches.

POSTED BY
Min2000
on | November 19, 2012, 21:46 GMT

The most frustrating thing about watching the NZ team is that we currently (on paper at least) have the strongest batting line-ups we've had in years! Taylor, McCullum, Guptill, Williamson, and Ryder - they can all play. And yet we are currently nowhere near good enough to compete at international level. I think that NZ Cricket needs to start looking at some fundamentals and explore ways to restore some pride back into this team. The first thing I would do is drop the name "Black Caps" -- it is nothing more than a marketing slogan designed to sell t-shirts.

POSTED BY
kunderanengineer
on | November 19, 2012, 20:36 GMT

Don't mean to take anything away from Sri Lanka and especially Herath's performance but one wonders how much of this is about Sri Lankan bowling superiority and how much about the pathetic state of NZ's batting. NZ's bowlers( Boult and Southee in particular) certainly deserved much better. I was actually looking forward to a great finish after the scores were almost level after the first innings and NZ resumed the day's play at 35 for 1.

POSTED BY
Middlemarch
on | November 19, 2012, 20:25 GMT

From a long time NZ supporter, this was very disappointing. Our batsmen continue to seriously let us down - time and time again. Nobody thinks test match batting is easy, but the NZ batsmen are repeatedly underperforming. The top 5 batsmen regularly get out, not to great deliveries, but through poor shot selection. They appear to want to dominate, rather than score runs at all costs. I don't care if Guptill scores all his runs through the slips cordon, so long as he scores 100. Ditto all the rest. The NZ team is far better than their results over the last few years - and the NZ public deserves to see better performances.

POSTED BY
rob_damn
on | November 19, 2012, 17:59 GMT

very well played SL... second innings bowling was amazing from herath(who did take 5 in first)... Good that he is shaping in very well and proving to be an asset for SL team... sad that like ajmal he is into later part of his career... I would call it the curse of playing with legends.. like we have seen with our legendry indian batting line up and the case of stuart mcgill... obviously you'd be sacrificed on the name of grooming youngsters(or change after a loss) when you are second spinner in the team after legendry murali.. all the best SL for rest of the series...

POSTED BY
Ruban_Varathan
on | November 19, 2012, 17:44 GMT

Congrats Srilanka for an oustanding win against Kiwis...My playing XI for 2nd test-1.Dilshan 2.karunaratne 3.sangakkara 4.mahela 5.mathews 6.samaraweera 7.prasanna 8.kulasekara 9.Randiv 10.Herath 11.Eranga......If Dilshan is not physically fit then Chandimal should take his place........unlucky Randiv didnt get any wickets as expected but bowled very well,he should be persisted for 2nd test to gain confidence before heading to Aussies tour....surely Randiv should play in Aussies test series bcoz he will be vital in AUS condition Known for the term ''bounce''...Good Luck Lions....

POSTED BY
InsideHedge
on | November 19, 2012, 17:41 GMT

Do NZ care anymore? Against India recently, there were patches where they played really well, with Taylor, Southee and Patel impressing. However, they're not competing for long enough within a match. Given Bangla's impressive performance against WI the other day, NZ should be extremely worried.

Meanwhile, SL will be delighted with the win, their home record since Murali's retirement needs improving, a series win here seems a formality now. Herath continues to take wickets by the bucket load, like Rehman and Ojha he appears nothing special. Facts say otherwise.

POSTED BY
InsideHedge
on | November 19, 2012, 17:36 GMT

Awful performance by NZ. However, I'm surprised no-one has commented on their selecting 4 seamers! If Eng were, and are still receiving deserved criticism for picking 3 seamers, NZ should be lined up against a wall and shot. Yes, Southee was impressive and SL batsmen are strong against spin but you will not win a Test in SL with seam only. They have N MCullum, Hira and I'm sure some others out there.

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 16:23 GMT

well done Herath the unsung hero

POSTED BY
Baber_Baloch
on | November 19, 2012, 15:33 GMT

Cool win for Sri Lana they did well..5 day match finish in 3 day...

POSTED BY
PierreCheuk
on | November 19, 2012, 15:33 GMT

N Z's tame surrender in Galle yesterday was pathetic. Abject humiliation for the cricket administrators, coaches and fans back in N Z whom these Kiwi players represent.No more excuses. Some of this squad should never play for N Z again after this tour. They are paid to perform and they didn't. Its time for some serious bloodletting in N Z cricket. Go and find some fresh new young players with good batting techniques who are hungry to perform. Of this N Z Test XI only 4-5 are worth persevering with and two of those are bowlers.

POSTED BY
yasasm
on | November 19, 2012, 15:05 GMT

@ shortsillypoint The match where Martin Crow scored 299 was a draw. It was a match saving effort cos New Zealand scored only 174 in the 1st innings. Aravinda also made his highest score in test cricket; 267.

POSTED BY
pt_pt
on | November 19, 2012, 14:18 GMT

Same old story from New Zealand, get in a decent position and then completely fall away, another very disappointing loss. Surly they can not keep going on like this, changes are needed right now in this side. Taylor should be told, put up a decent show in the next test match or your gone as captain. For the next test, Astle in for Franklin, Wagner in for Bracewell.

POSTED BY
rehanahmeds
on | November 19, 2012, 14:00 GMT

really disappointed after watching wesindies and bangla desh test match and interesting first two days of it i was hoping for a tight contest and good fight back from newzealand but honestly it was big let down :(

POSTED BY
electric_loco_WAP4
on | November 19, 2012, 13:24 GMT

@lukecannon-ENG- Are you sure.... I mean Herath is a class bowler and the only
world class SL bowler they have got. Not a shame really that he is in mid 30s.... the
Eng could have had a really good acquisition were he not his age - understandable
too as England could def. do with a good spinner. The good part is SL will be be well
served by his bowling in tests for some more time yet...

POSTED BY
electric_loco_WAP4
on | November 19, 2012, 13:14 GMT

@tanstell87- Herath def is an improved bowler.Def. SL's best spinner a.t.m . As to
the others mentioned Swann is no where near Herath's class and Ojha though decent has to be tested a lot more to get there. Nathan Lyon is twice the bowler that Swann is and with a chronic elbow GS is on the way down as a bowler -Lyon is
young and gaining in exp. and got the support of the best captain in the world -just
what you want as a rookee spinner. To conclude 1 man is 'miles' ahead of any of the
above in the world's spin bowling stakes- Saeed Ajmal - Pehla, doosras or teesras or
straight.... notwithstanding.

POSTED BY
nix_moviefreak
on | November 19, 2012, 13:10 GMT

Congrats Lanka. It took India more than 3 & 1/2 days to win against NZ and you wrapped it up in only 2 & 1/2 days. Herath is rapidly becoming matchwinner for lanka.Wishes from India :-)

POSTED BY
shortsillypoint
on | November 19, 2012, 12:34 GMT

Some older people might remember a test in Wellington where Martin Crowe scored 299 and NZ were very comfortable winners. The papers and cricket people were saying it was a waste of time playing SL. Some of us thought SL would improve greatly with such a large and enthusiastic population, like Bangladesh today.

NZ only has 4 million and cricket is not an obsession like on the sub continent so NZ needs special players to become regularly competitive. They have some young ones now but the team has been poor for ages. Playing in SL is tough especially when the weather is so unpredictable. Also some players are mainly interested in the IPL so their performance is .. uneven - to be kind.

POSTED BY
tanstell87
on | November 19, 2012, 12:30 GMT

Herath is defnately one of the best spinners right now in class of Swann & Ojha.

POSTED BY
challagalla
on | November 19, 2012, 12:11 GMT

Tame surrender by New Zealand. I thought they would show more spirit in what was turning out to be an absorbing test match. England and New Zealand have the same old weakness against quality spin. Congrats to Sri Lanka on a well derseved win. England showed some resilience in their second innings against India which New Zealand did not. England actually did very well to avert an innings defeat. I was pleasently surprised to hear of the ball swinging during the first half of the day. Low bounce and spin you expect but swing in our Asia. Certainly makes for very interesting cricket.

POSTED BY
BG4cricket
on | November 19, 2012, 11:53 GMT

The barometer of the decline of NZ cricket can be seen in their diminishing returns over recent times in ODIs which generally gives the mediocre some chance as opposed to Test cricket. It is really time for a serious rethink and look to find some players who have performed consistently in domestic comps and try and get some to also play county or shield cricket. It is perhaps not possible but perhaps buy plane tickets for Watling and Ryder who could come in for Franklin and Williamson who has had enough chances - my line up would focus on making better use of what is there - Guptill, Flynn, Taylor, McCullum, Ryder, Watling, Van Wyk, N. McCullum, Bracewell, Southee, Boult - this batting order has more balance and the attack is probably all they can do

POSTED BY
reversecut
on | November 19, 2012, 11:42 GMT

Best nz team available at the moment would be guptil - Redmond ( or at least a real opening batsmen) - Taylor - Ryder - Williamson - McCollum - wattling - vettori - Southee - boult - bracewell/Martin/Wagner. So Ryder, Williamson can be the other bowlers. Maybe get rid of McCollum if a decent batting all rounder comes along.

POSTED BY
lukecannon
on | November 19, 2012, 11:36 GMT

Nice stuff from Herath. Shame he's in his mid thirties. Would have been a wondeful prospect had he been a youngster. Delivers the goods 9 out of 10.

POSTED BY
reversecut
on | November 19, 2012, 11:33 GMT

NZ test team is losing all support at home and dying due to farcical test batting. It is a real embarrassment. Wish John wright was there to talk the hard word with our "world class" players. Mccullum is a joke opener. I would drop him unless he keeps and bats no higher than 6. The problem is we have an entire batting line up of number 5 batters. When ryder comes back he is a number 5 as well. Wattling needs to be in team instead of van wyk on batting alone. 20/20 killing us. We need a nz team in the Australian Sheffield shield so we get better quality in bringing in second tier batters as well as decent spinners. We will lose the next test. It was an oddity when franklin came back into the limited overs teams a while back, how he is in the test team is beyond me. Watching nz is a waste of life. Great work Southee and boult tho. Martin should have played though, bracewell got spanked back home before this test domestically and bowled rubbish here too.

POSTED BY
PadMarley
on | November 19, 2012, 11:28 GMT

No reason to question Galle pitch... look at how Dimuth batted in the 4th inning. Put Pakistan or India to Galle... they will bat better. NZ just have to learn how to play spin. you cant put the blame on the pitch when NZ has reached day 5 of a test match reraly in all their last few tests. You put a crazy bouncy pitch in Gabba for example... no one complaints even if its an unplayable day and balls hits batsmen on the head many times.... if there can be paradise for fast bowlers, there should be the same for spinners.... and Galle is the place... its the ultimate place where masters of paying against spin is tested .... Weldone Herath! Weldone Dimuth! Weldone Southee!

POSTED BY
onebump
on | November 19, 2012, 11:16 GMT

@Manojin:
Mendis has faded and is not in the same class as Herath. Narine is good, but still has to prove himself in the 5 day format consistently. Herath's stats are similar to Swan. Swan does not bowl that much on spin friendly surfaces, but he has a pretty good set of fellow bowlers (Anderson et al) who put pressure at the other end regularly. Hearth fights on his own most of the time and is a very good bowler. The only spinner to have survived Murali's presence. He spent many years in the wilderness till his time came (vs. Pakistan in 2009 when he was playing club cricket in England).

POSTED BY
Buggsy
on | November 19, 2012, 11:12 GMT

What is going on with cricket in NZ? Does rugby really have that much of a stranglehold on sport over there?

POSTED BY
sumit176
on | November 19, 2012, 11:10 GMT

ajmal is a great bowler with clean action,,,he doesnt need to wear full sleeve shirt,,,

POSTED BY
maf17
on | November 19, 2012, 10:53 GMT

NZ cricket is a wasteland. Some good 20/20 players, but as far as TEsts go, they may as well be relegated with Zimbabwe. I know they beat Australia last summer, but it was on a suspect pitch & the Aussies minds were firmly on the series agianst India and the Kiws sneaked behind their guard. Unlikely to happen agian for at least another decade. At least Bangladesh has the saving grace of public support & good crowds. NZ havent even got that.

POSTED BY
Rewa402
on | November 19, 2012, 10:31 GMT

I am disappointed at New Zealand's pathetic attempt at application. They talk about positivity as if it will win matches but there is a fine line between positivity and recklessness. Nearly all of the batsmen have technical faults that have yet to be fixed and are unable to string together any sort of partnership that will win matches. I would change the structure of the team since this current one is NOT WORKING!! I would structure the team as following: Opener - Guptill, Flynn/Watling, 3. Williamson, 4. Taylor, 5. Flynn/Watling/Todd Astle (Depending on who is opener), 6. McCullum, 7. Van Wyk (Wk), 8. Todd Astle/Bracewell, 9, 10 and 11 to be 3 of: Southee, Wagner, Boult, Patel, Bracewell, Martin depending on opposition and pitch conditions.
This is subjective to opinion but may offer the best out of the team. I have not selected Ryder because it is too soon to bring him back. He is yet to show consistency in domestic cricket but could be slotted in at #5.

POSTED BY
stormy16
on | November 19, 2012, 10:27 GMT

Great win for SL and NZ were totally outclassed today with no answers to quality spin. First question that springs to mind is if Galle will get a warning again for the game finishing inside three days - the ICC usually has a problem with this spcially if its not in Newlands for example, where a game also finished early and two sides failed to make 100 in an innings. NZ were poor - they should never have allowed a lead after having SL 50/5 and they should have set up a decent target on what is not really a bad wicket (well as long at the ICC agrees). NZ also made some strange selections with a very weak batting order and ONE spinner. I'm not sure what Franklyn in doing in SL let alone playing tests - he cannot bat as a specialist batter and he cannot be a back up bolwer - he hasnt taken a test wicket in three years. Kruger is handy but nothing more which means a frail batting order went in with 5 specialist batters while the call was for 7 minimum and paid the price.

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 10:09 GMT

congrats Sri Lanka....thats the way to do it!!

POSTED BY
MichaelBurton
on | November 19, 2012, 10:09 GMT

Good win. Herath is now in the caliber of Ajmal, Narain, Mendis and Swan
.

POSTED BY
CricSpirit
on | November 19, 2012, 9:59 GMT

I think Paranvithana does not deserve to be even in the Sqad. Dilshan & Dimuth should open for the next test match with Thisara Perera or Tharindu Kaushal in for Suraj Randiv. We got lot of talent in the bench like Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirumanna & Upul Tharanga who deserves more than Paranavithana. When Ajantha Medis becomes available he could partner Herath on the Spin Department.

POSTED BY
Rixgm7
on | November 19, 2012, 9:49 GMT

The lack of warm up matches is a factor, as our struggling test cricketers are just not playing enough first class cricket to work on there game. (Over the last 3 years Ross has played 22 tests and just 5 first class matches inc warm ups, - I know this is comparable to what other international players do, but they aint losing). If they are serious about improving the senior players should consider strike action in which they refuse to play/tour unless they have more availability to play first class cricket (and accept the resultant pay cut) - because at least then they can look back on there careers with pride.

POSTED BY
ajithabey
on | November 19, 2012, 9:45 GMT

A test match over in 2 1/2 days. amazing!!! see what limited over cricket has done to the cricketers and their techniques.Congrats SL for a very professional performance.However,batting must be consistent at all times especially the top order batsmen .Bowling combination looked good although Randiv did not look penetrative as the others.A third spinner will help SL at the P.Sara stadium which normally boasts of a placid batting track.The NZ team looked a pathetic outfit especially in the second innings and needs probably a revamp of the combination of the team to achieve success.

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 9:44 GMT

A good test match after a long interval could be watched. Herath did a fantastic job to bring a win for S/L. However, if Mahela & Anji had not taken the lead patiently from 50 for 5, there could have been an unexpected change in the results. Good work by Mahela and Anji and the credit should go to Herath including the entire team. All the best to Karunaratne, the 3rd S/L debut to reach an half century.

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | November 19, 2012, 9:37 GMT

Herath play well against pakistan and nz. WHat happen to bracewell...when he came first i though NZ found their next richard hadlee...he is inconsistent.

POSTED BY
amilag
on | November 19, 2012, 9:27 GMT

New Zealand is no match for SL. Second test will also finish before the 4th day.SL can go to the top of the ranking. They are a very balanced team.

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | November 19, 2012, 9:10 GMT

forgot to add to my last comment, well done to Karunaratne also, glad to see the young man get some runs, he played very well during the last odi series as opener here in England and hopefully he will be given the chance to establish himself...

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | November 19, 2012, 9:08 GMT

well played to Sri Lanka on a good win and well done to Herath with another fantastic performance. I may be worng on this, but I am sure i read somewher that he may now be the leding wicket taker in 2012?Truly deserved for someone who just goes about his business without demanding acknowledgement in return, as Vaas before him, a true work horse and a magnificent servant to his country...

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | November 19, 2012, 8:45 GMT

minnows nz beaten by minnows sl at home

POSTED BY
denwarlo70
on | November 19, 2012, 7:20 GMT

India has a target of 77 to win the 1st test against England and will we also have the same target to win against New Zealand? If that happens, it would be a record for sure. Herath, man of the hour, day and match for me.

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 7:13 GMT

Only three of New Zealand's batters in this test, placed their front leg in the right place, braced and balanced, Bmac, flynn and Van Wyk, Watling was at home. Ponting played three seasons at six before going to number three, Williamson needs a similar apprenticeship.

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 7:07 GMT

Whoa ! Didn't I tell you before the test series this is going to finish inside four-days, and now SL can wrap it up inside 3. NZ tootally no clue against THE_MAN HERATH. This NZ team is NZ A' for me. LIONS ROAR !!!!!

POSTED BY
denwarlo70
on | November 19, 2012, 6:58 GMT

Okay, will it be yet another test match ending on day 3?

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
denwarlo70
on | November 19, 2012, 6:58 GMT

Okay, will it be yet another test match ending on day 3?

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 7:07 GMT

Whoa ! Didn't I tell you before the test series this is going to finish inside four-days, and now SL can wrap it up inside 3. NZ tootally no clue against THE_MAN HERATH. This NZ team is NZ A' for me. LIONS ROAR !!!!!

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 7:13 GMT

Only three of New Zealand's batters in this test, placed their front leg in the right place, braced and balanced, Bmac, flynn and Van Wyk, Watling was at home. Ponting played three seasons at six before going to number three, Williamson needs a similar apprenticeship.

POSTED BY
denwarlo70
on | November 19, 2012, 7:20 GMT

India has a target of 77 to win the 1st test against England and will we also have the same target to win against New Zealand? If that happens, it would be a record for sure. Herath, man of the hour, day and match for me.

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | November 19, 2012, 8:45 GMT

minnows nz beaten by minnows sl at home

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | November 19, 2012, 9:08 GMT

well played to Sri Lanka on a good win and well done to Herath with another fantastic performance. I may be worng on this, but I am sure i read somewher that he may now be the leding wicket taker in 2012?Truly deserved for someone who just goes about his business without demanding acknowledgement in return, as Vaas before him, a true work horse and a magnificent servant to his country...

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | November 19, 2012, 9:10 GMT

forgot to add to my last comment, well done to Karunaratne also, glad to see the young man get some runs, he played very well during the last odi series as opener here in England and hopefully he will be given the chance to establish himself...

POSTED BY
amilag
on | November 19, 2012, 9:27 GMT

New Zealand is no match for SL. Second test will also finish before the 4th day.SL can go to the top of the ranking. They are a very balanced team.

POSTED BY
Alexk400
on | November 19, 2012, 9:37 GMT

Herath play well against pakistan and nz. WHat happen to bracewell...when he came first i though NZ found their next richard hadlee...he is inconsistent.

POSTED BY
on | November 19, 2012, 9:44 GMT

A good test match after a long interval could be watched. Herath did a fantastic job to bring a win for S/L. However, if Mahela & Anji had not taken the lead patiently from 50 for 5, there could have been an unexpected change in the results. Good work by Mahela and Anji and the credit should go to Herath including the entire team. All the best to Karunaratne, the 3rd S/L debut to reach an half century.